1. READ John 20:1-2 Mary Magdalene’s first conclusion was that someone had taken Jesus’ body—not that He had risen. Jesus talked repeatedly about the fact that he would die and rise from the dead. Why do you think resurrection wasn’t on any of His follower’s radar?
2. READ John 20:3-10 Peter and John saw details (empty linen cloths, folded head covering) that didn’t fit any conceivable explanation they could think of. That Jesus had done a miracle didn’t occur to them. How do you typically respond when God works in ways that challenges your existing beliefs or assumptions?
3. It seems that John “believed” before fully understanding the Scriptures about the resurrection. Talk about a time you believed or trusted God for something, only later understanding what He was doing.
4. Mary didn’t recognize Jesus at first, partly because of her grief and expectations. How can pain, disappointment, or grief make it harder to see what God is doing in our lives?
5. Mary—a woman with a difficult past—is the first witness of the resurrection. What does this teach us about who Jesus values and uses? How does that challenge our social, cultural, or personal assumptions about worth? Can you think of a time you dismissed someone because of their history, personality, or appearance? How do you guard against this kind of thinking in your everyday life?
6. The sermon presents only two options: either the resurrection is false (and meaningless) or true (and life-changing). Do you agree that there’s no “middle ground”? Why or why not? How does 2 Corinthians 15:13-19 inform our views?
7. The message ends with a challenge to:
Pursue the truth (ask questions, read the story of Jesus in the gospels)
Respond to the truth (follow Jesus for the first time or again)
Receive the truth (let his resurrection power transform you)
Which of these feels most relevant to you right now—and what would it practically look like to take that step this week?
